Layers of molten plastic are laid down over one another, to form more or less any shape. It reminds me of crochet: once you have a foundation chain, you can move in just about any direction, but you're always building a layer on top of the one below it.

If I had a 3D printer of my very own, this is what I'd use it for: new necklace and earrings every morning. I've been looking at examples of 3D printing, and in my opinion, the most interesting and sculptural interpretations of the medium have been in jewellery design.

That bottle opener promises it's for an "Australian coin," but a New Zealand ten cent piece fits perfectly. It took about an hour to print.

It needs the coin, because the 3D printed material is on the soft side.

It's biodegradable, so I can compost it when I'm done. It's the same stuff that's used to hold in the insides of capsules and pills, apparently: I'm sure my vitamin tablets are covered with the same stuff.

How much did this all cost me? A grand total of seventy cents. Auckland Libraries charges ten cents per gram to print. They have a bunch of different colours you can print with, and you can just wander up to the MakerSpace during their advertised hours, and they'll help you print just about anything.

I'd love to see 3D printers become household items, but they're not quite at that stage yet. They're fiddly, and kind of expensive to buy.

Still, 3D printing's really cool, and if you've got the chance, I'd encourage you to have a play with a machine.

If you're interested in 3D printing in Auckland, or New Zealand, check out these links: